India vs England: Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Tests, confirms BCCI

The India squad for the upcoming tour of England was announced earlier today by the BCCI. Shubman Gill has risen through the ranks to become India's new Test captain, leading the team into the new WTC cycle. Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, has been named vice-captain, with Jasprit Bumrah not being considered for any leadership role. A day before the official announcement, reports emerged that the seamer would not be available for the entire duration of the India vs England Test series. The chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, later confirmed this, stating that Bumrah's availability will be limited for the five-match series.

Ajit Agarkar opens up on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the India vs England series

As Shubman Gill takes over the reins of the team, he will be supported by KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the senior players are expected to take a backseat, with Gill leading from the front and Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, there was considerable debate over whether Bumrah, given his prior experience of leading the side in the longer format, should be appointed as India’s new Test captain. However, the need to manage his workload and minimize injury risks ultimately worked against his elevation to the role of full-time captain.

While announcing the India squad for the India vs England series, Ajit Agarkar addressed the issue around the availability of Jasprit Bumrah. Agarkar revealed that the team’s medical staff had advised the management to manage Bumrah’s workload carefully, recommending that the pacer be rested for at least one of the Tests. This advisory effectively ruled him out of the captaincy conversation. Agarkar, a former fast bowler himself, emphasized that Bumrah’s value to the team lies in his unmatched ability to deliver breakthroughs consistently.

“I don't think he will be available for five Tests as far as the physios and doctors have told us. Whether it's four or three, I think we will see how the series goes and how his body can take the workload,” Agarkar said.

Despite missing the final innings of the fifth Test in Sydney during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 32 wickets. Even if not as the skipper, the inclusion of Bumrah in the India squad is a big boost for the team. Responding to a separate query, Agarkar acknowledged that Bumrah was indeed in contention for the leadership role, but both the selectors and team management unanimously felt that the added responsibility could be an unnecessary burden on the fast bowler at this stage.

“We know how important he is, so even if it is three or four Tests, he's going to get us the wickets. So, we're just glad that he's fit after the setback we had in Australia. We know he's been playing T20 cricket at the moment, but we have seen what he's doing in the IPL, so we are just happy that he is part of the squad,” said Agarkar.

“He had led in Australia, and he was vice-captain. But once he wasn't available for all the matches… I think he's more important for us as a player. There's always an extra burden when you're playing and also managing 15-16 players. It takes a lot out of you. We'd rather have him as player. He's aware about it, he's okay about it and he knows where his body is at the moment,” he added.